State-Journal.com - Dance studio celebrates 40

From London, England, to Frankfort, Ky., is more than a trip across the big pond.

For Gina Tincher in 1954, it meant going from big city lights and marquees to a quaint town known as the commonwealth's capital.

But after marrying Air Force Tech Sgt. Paul Tincher in 1954, Gina Tincher, who has been in productions like the musical Guys and Dolls, put down her tea, packed her suitcase and made the journey.

She admits it wasn't exactly what she was expecting.

"Paul told me it was the state's capital city," Tincher said. "When I got here, I was surprised."

Tincher soon made Frankfort her home and had two daughters, Becky and Laurie.

But the former professional ballerina of London also decided to bring the magic of performance and dance to Frankfort. She established Capital City Dance Studio in 1969.

"There wasn't a dance studio in Frankfort. I felt very strongly that if I started it, it would be permanent. I wanted people to know it was going to stay. That's why I named it Capital City Dance Studio."

The studio is celebrating its 40th birthday this year. Students aged 3 to 18 are welcome.

Now run by the younger daughter, Laurie Meyer, it accommodates the grandchildren of Tincher's first students.

Tincher says she always knew she would hand the studio over to Laurie.

"Before Laurie could even walk, she loved to dance," Tincher said.

The eldest daughter, Becky George, an occupational therapist, is the organizational one of the family, and supports her mother and sister by helping with paperwork, Tincher says.

"When I see Becky, I know everything is under control," Tincher said.

Needless to say, family has always been what Tincher counted on to keep the studio running.

"The key to success, I think, is that everyone has a common goal," Tincher said. "I got so much help from my family."

She says even when the girls were little they would staple packets and her husband, Paul, would help make brochures.

Forty years later, the family of four still goes out to dinner after each recital, according to Meyer.

"We were like a little assembly line," Meyer said. "And we would help teach the classes because our mom had taught us."

The studio has grown from around 75 in the first class to around 500 students currently.

"Even though we've grown a lot, the main thing is you don't leave your starting premise," Meyer, who also coaches the Franklin County High dance team, said.

"To create in the kids a love for something bigger than themselves."

"Our biggest goal has always been to give the children self esteem," Tincher added. "To make the kids feel good about themselves."

And according to Meyer, Tincher has touched the lives of approximately 4,278 dance students in four decades.

Many of the students have given back to their ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical dance and music theatre instructors by coming back to teach.

Meyer says Capital City Dance Studio tries to keep it in the family by hiring former students as teachers. Currently, there are 13 instructors.

As a mother of three basketball-playing boys, Meyer is uncertain of whom she will leave the studio to in the future, but she is certain it will have to be an existing member of the Capital City Dance Studio extended family.

For now, as the official owner since 2002, Meyer says she is thrilled to continue the dream her mother began.

"I feel like the luckiest person to be a part of these kids' memories," Meyer said. "I am thankful for my mom giving me this opportunity."

Both women agree that the recitals, which they put on every spring, are their favorite.

"I wanted to bring that magical feeling of the theatre to the recitals," Tincher said. "To bring that magical feeling to the production. There is nothing better for the dancers."

Meyer agrees.

"There's always a struggle to make it current, yet age appropriate," Meyer said regarding costumes and music. "But the kids really feel like stars when they are out there."

And though Tincher has taken more of a back seat to direction and teaching over the years, she says the most rewarding moments are when "people come up to me at the recitals and tell me they were in my class."

While classes at Capital City Dance Studio begin today Meyer says they will be doing many things to celebrate their 40th year.

Commemorative T-shirts, Meyer says, are already designed and ready to be sold. There was also a meet and greet with instructors on Sunday at the west studio location.

"I'd also like to get in contact with former students and put together something for our recital this year," Meyer said. "We will be celebrating all year."